§ 1. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that George Austin, of 43, Branckner Street, Westhoughton, Lancashire, an employee of that urban council was, on 6th December last, sentenced to three months' imprisonment without the option of a fine for refusing a direction to work as a labourer in Carlisle; and if, in view of his wife's indifferent health and the petition of 337 of Austin's fellow townsmen for remission of sentence, he will allow Austin to return to his original employment on his release from prison.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I will consider this case in due course in the light of the circumstances as they exist at the time; but I should mention that, according to present information, I should not be justified in allowing him to return to his former employment as a road labourer, though it may be possible to place him on work in his home area.
§ Mr. DaviesMay I ask whether my right hon Friend is aware that this man was unemployed for several years owing to the industrial depression in the local coalfield; that nobody wanted his labour at all, and now that he has got a job and is regarded as a good workman, what sense is there in sending him to gaol for six months?
§ Mr. BevinI cannot comment on the magistrates decision, but he was directed to take up urgent building work.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very often there are circumstances surrounding many of these cases that are not taken into account by the magistrates; could he arrange to review these cases in the light of these circumstances?